State Parks hosts annual Bidwell Bar Day Saturday at Lake Oroville

Oroville >> Gold panning, candle-making and watching an old-time melodrama are just a few of the activities planned for Saturday as California State Parks hosts the annual Bidwell Bar Day event at Lake Oroville.

The agency hosts the event every year to give people in the present a slice of life during the Gold Rush era.

This year, State Parks observes its 150th anniversary. As part of that celebration, visitors to Bidwell Bar Day are invited to wear costumes and pose for a photograph for $5, according to parks representative Jolan Dobis.

The festivities go from noon to 4 p.m. at the old Bidwell Bar toll bridge, located near the Bidwell Canyon Boat Launch parking lot.

Visitors will find volunteers from State Parks and Bidwell Bar Association wearing costumes from the 1860s, and posing as miners, settlers, cowboys, and dance-hall women.

Food and gold panning will take place by the toll house, while other activities will be set up on Wycke Island, a short walk across the Bidwell Bar Bridge.

Activities are for all ages, such as doing tin art, making corn-husk dolls and playing an old card game called Faro.

For those who want to learn about the history of the area, the old, stone toll house will be open.

"It gives people an opportunity to go inside and see what's up," Dobis said.

Also during the event, a melodrama will be performed on a stage on the island.

Dobis encouraged people to attend. "My experience is that it is a wonderful family experience — and for anyone," she said.

Bidwell Bar Day is hosted by State Parks and the Bidwell Bar Association.